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What is an eating problem?

Lots of people have different eating habits and forgetting to eat for a day or having a blow-out aren’t signs of an eating problem, nor is occasionally going on a diet.

Trying to control what or how much you eat very strictly or eating and then making yourself sick (bulimia) are signs that you could have an eating problem.

Eating problems are common and can affect anyone of any body shape or lifestyle. They can be triggered by a number of things but you can often develop an eating problem when other parts of your life don’t feel right.

Worry or stress can trigger eating problems as can the feeling of being out of control in other areas of your life. Being able to control how much or what you eat can give you back that feeling of order.

Singers Demi Lovato and Zayn Malik have both spoken openly about having eating disorders and what they did to get better.

Symptoms of eating problems

Some eating problems such as Anorexia and Bulimia are serious mental health conditions that need professional help to diagnose and treat. Some eating problems are signs of normal eating behaviour but they happen more often or to an extreme degree:

Losing appetite

Eating when not hungry

Obsessing about body image

Eating only certain types of things or following a ‘fad’ too closely

Fear of gaining weight

Dramatic weight loss or gain

Being sick

No longer enjoying eating socially or leaving the table quickly (to be sick or hide food)

Focusing on buying or cooking food for others

Feeling secretive

Just because you experience one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re definitely affected by an eating problem but if they are affecting everyday life, talk to your GP to get a full diagnosis.

What to do about eating problems

Take the first step – if you think you are affected by an eating disorder talk to someone you trust. It’s often hard to accept that you might have an eating problem but young people who have suffered from one always say that beginning to talk is the start of their road to recovery.

Sometimes learning to eat normally again can be hard work so speak to your GP who can help with diet. They may also suggest talking therapies for you and your family to help with the issues that have triggered the eating problem.

Understanding that you are not alone is really important and there are a lot of groups around the UK where you can go to talk with young people who have shared the same experience as you. This can really help you begin your recovery.

If you're under 25 you can talk to The Mix for free on the phone, by email or on their webchat. You can also use their phone counselling service, or get more information on support services you might need.